Conservation & Natural Areas
Natural Area Preserves, Natural Resources Conservation Areas & other lands in conservation
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Newly-published DNR study finds declining eelgrass in San Juan Islands
Eelgrass in the San Juan Islands is declining, according to a newly-published DNR report and story map, prompting concern for the health of one of Washington’s most diverse and pristine marine areas. Widespread local declines Based on a random sample,… Continue reading
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Cleaning up Micro-Trash: National Public Lands Day at Dougan Falls
Volunteers gathered early in the morning on Saturday, Sept. 25, as part of a joint DNR and Keep Nature Wild cleanup at Dougan Falls in Washougal, close to DNR’s Dougan Creek Campground and the Yacolt Burn State Forest. “Dougan Falls… Continue reading
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Learning from the Yacolt Burn: Looking back at the historic burn, 119 years later.
Reaching 239,000 acres, the Yacolt Burn was the largest forest fire in Washington history for more than a century. The exact cause of the burn remains unknown. What is known, however, is that the lack of infrastructure failed to mitigate… Continue reading
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4 Ways to Take a Hike and Help Your Favorite Trail
The stormy weather has arrived – and coupled with COVID-19, our trails could use some TLC. Here’s how you can help. What does being a trail steward mean? If you are a new trail user, or just never heard of… Continue reading
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Skeletons on the Hill
She deeply held the soil she loved and nourished. Life was good for a long, long time until that fateful day — the day she died. Continue reading
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Discovering an ecological anomaly: Crowberry Bog
Joe Rocchio is a senior vegetation ecologist at the Department of Natural Resources. It was a quiet August morning on the western Olympic peninsula. I was gearing up for another day of surveying for rare and high quality wetlands. In… Continue reading
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It’s no trick: The bats at DNR’s Woodard Bay are a treat
Bats might seem a little scary, but they’re actually just plain cute. Continue reading
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10 miles of new trail open in Darrington’s North Mountain Bike Trail System
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites the public to come visit the North Mountain Bike Trail System, located adjacent to the community of Darrington, WA, with over 10 miles of new trails officially open beginning Saturday, October… Continue reading
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10 outdoor escapes near Seattle
There are so many incredible opportunities for adventure on DNR, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Washington State Parks managed lands near Seattle. Get out there and check them out! Continue reading
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Preserving Washington’s biggest and best tidal surge plain
Tucked between Montesano and Cosmopolis near the mouth of the Chehalis River rests Washington’s largest and highest-quality coastal surge plain wetland. Continue reading
